Happy Halloween!

If you celebrate Halloween, we hope you enjoy this playful, community-oriented holiday. At the same time, it’s no secret that Halloween has become a ultra-refined sugar-heavy event. Without making strict “food rules,” you can set gentle intentions that keep the fun alive while also feeling good the next day.

Festive Fun Beyond Candy

Halloween isn’t just about the sweets. There are plenty of ways to get into the spirit without filling your treat bag:

• Haunted activities – Try a spooky trail, sensory adventure, or costume contest.

• Spooky soundtracks – My parents used to play Elton John’s “Funeral for a Friend” each time the doorbell rang—it added instant chills! These days, streaming services are full of eerie playlists.

• Games at the door – Last year, our 9-year-old niece had more fun handing out candy and asking if people wanted to play a game (trick box with a surprise spider) than trick-or-treating herself.

Smarter Sweet Choices

If candy is part of your plan, here are some ways to keep it enjoyable without going overboard:

• Choose “better” brands – Go for options with fewer additives, like Unreal Peanut Butter or YumEarth gummies.

• Buy what you don’t crave – If chocolate is your weakness, stock up on fruity candy (and vice versa).

• Keep it to one night – Decide in advance that Halloween is your sweet spot, enjoy the candy—then move on without guilt.

  
  

Reset After the Holiday

Sugar can trigger cravings the next day. Plan ahead with a nourishing breakfast that sets you back on track:

• Load up on protein.

• Add nutrient-dense superfoods.

• Focus on satisfaction, not restriction

What To Do With Extra Candy

Too much left over? Try these options:

• Share with purpose – Donate to local charities, shelters, Ronald McDonald House, ship to troops, or your local AA chapter may even welcome candy donations.

• Freeze it – Candy stores well for 6–12 months in a freezer-safe bag. Save it for birthdays, holidays, or baking projects.

The Switch Witch Tradition

For kids who enjoy trick-or-treating, the Switch Witch is a magical way to enjoy Halloween without overdoing the sweets:

• Children pick a few favorites, then leave the rest out for the Switch Witch, a good witch.

• Overnight, she “trades” the candy for a surprise gift—anything from the "better" sweet choices listed above, a book or puzzle to craft supplies, a stuffed animal, money (like the Tooth Fairy), or even a “coupon" for something fun later.

  
  

A Balanced Halloween

However you celebrate—through candy, costumes, games, or giving—we hope your Halloween is filled with joy, laughter, and connection! A little planning helps you savor the holiday and wake up the next day feeling good.